Holabird Nears Retirement with “Collector’s Jackpot”

After decades of unearthing Western Americana treasures, Fred Holabird prepares for a few last roundups before riding off into retirement.

Oklahoma and Indiana company store scrip. All images are courtesy of Holabird Western Americana.

After close to a thousand auctions and millions of collectibles sold, the auction house Holabird Western Americana is closing its doors at the end of 2025. “It is time for me to retire while I still have some gas in the tank and hopefully the wheels can stay on,” said Holabird founder Fred Holabird in a press release announcing his retirement.

Fred got his start in auctions in 1984 after working for years as a geologist in the mining industry. He proved to be the perfect fit, as he has a strong passion for historical research and a deep knowledge of American Western culture. “I found, discovered, and sold lots of stuff no one had ever thought about collecting, or even knew existed,” Fred explains. “These things led to discovering great stories about elements of history that few had thought of. That led to catalogs… then books… then more catalogs… then auctions.” After managing Holabird-Kagin Americana from 2006 to 2014, Fred launched Holabird Western Americana in 2012, supported by a dedicated team in Reno, Nevada. “We built a great company. We’ve had a great team over the years. I don’t call them employees, because we really are a true team—one part doesn’t work without the other.”

Going from mail-in auctions to Internet shows to crafting Holabird’s specially designed digital timing system, the company has changed with the times while staying true to its mission to service burgeoning collectors in need of Western Americana rarities. Many finds, particularly mining, gold rush, and numismatic collectibles, have been sold through what Holabird calls “average Joe” auctions that offer items at low minimum lot prices, especially when compared to many larger auction houses. Although the company mastered online sales, there were also many lively in-house auctions, which Fred himself auctioneered. “Our bidders have really enjoyed watching Fred on the podium; he tells great stories and has a captivating presence,” says Holabird’s Barbara Wilson. “Many of our bidders have expressed that he will be sorely missed.”

A recent timed-only Holabird auction from July 12–13 called the “Collector’s Jackpot,” offered a swath of Americana antiques with many pieces starting at $10. Among the philatelic and Western ephemera up for sale were currency notes from the nineteenth century to the modern era. Purchased by bidders was a collection of booklets of company-issued scrip from across the United States that sold for $35, 1863 fractional currency notes from the Bank of the State of South Carolina that earned $40, and seven crisp, uncirculated star notes issued by PCS Stamps & Coins for $120. A 1976 Westport Currency Album by Sam Sloat, featuring uncirculated $2 notes and $1 notes from 1969 through 1974 with labeled signators, was purchased at $110 as a collection of seven uncirculated $2 bills with colorful backgrounds depicting United States National Parks, which earned $55. Also up for bid were Bureau of Engraving & Printing currency prints and an assortment of non-U.S. notes, which ranged from European military currency to South American tender.

Holabird’s final calendar year will include a live auction on August 9–11, a timed sale in September, a live event in October, and possibly another timed sale to follow. More information about Holabird Western Americana can be found at holabirdamericana.com.

Highlights from Holabird Western Americana’s Collector's Jackpot

State of South Carolina fractional currency.
U. S. Currency star note collection.
Westport currency album.
National Parks colorized $2 bills.
Military currency of France. Sold for $10.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing currency prints. Sold for $20.

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